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Hokitika Guardian, 6 June 1927, Page 2

It is pleasing to know Ihiit- South Westland continues to grow iii favour with the world traveller. The number of outside visitors at Waiho Gorge last year drawn thither to view the Franz Josef Glacier and other wonders of the locality numhcied about n.OOO. This year for the first four months of the year, tlio total lias l>oen about 2.000. so that there is every hope of the patronage being well maintained. South Westland possesses a great charm in its scenic grandeur. Although there is so nine'll bush country, there is endless variety ill the attractions of the place. Every vista of hush has a different mountain setting, and one scene seems to rival the next in the particular charm of the view. For the artist there is no end of variety in the see lies to attract. The mountain and glacier scenery in conjunction with the bush country and lake views possess a store of scenic glory which stretch far into the south. Now that the means of communication are being improved so greatly tlie traffic into the south must improve. Tbe wealth produced from the south is one reason why transport facilities should lie bettered. Another reason is the great asset stored in the scenery. These two reasons are warrantry enough for urging more and more attention to the roads and bridges so as to assure regular and ready means of access. Travellers with a world experience tell us there is no other stretch of country so well endowed by nature with the natural wonders which go to make up the peculiar attractions for which South Westland is now becoming world famous. On that account then there is full justification for pleading for uninterrupted attention to tbe reading the bridging of the South. At tbe function at the Waiho bridge last week, the settlers very properly adopted a motion of thanks to the Government fir erecting so fine a bridge, as now spans the turbulent crossing. No doubt the appreciation was heart-felt, for the settlers know the danger there was involved always in fording the rough, swift stream. The Government will be glad to have their work anpreciated by tbe settlers, for it is not often votes of thanks are given so spontaneously. The appreciation', however, is well deserved, and the good noople south certainly appreciate what is being done in bridging manv of the difficult and dangerous crossings.